There Must be Opposition in All Things
Several years ago a community back east earned some headlines by holding a vote so citizens could give their bridge a new name. The voters elected to name their bridge "BOB". This generated some dicussion locally about names and nicknames. Shortly after that, a mountain community in our fair state chose to name their bridge, too. They named it the "James Brown Soul Center of the Universe Bridge".
This inspirerd two local morning DJs on the classic rock station to lament the fact that our little tiny city nestled in the shadow ot the American Alps didn't have a nickname. Cities with class have nicknames...The Big Apple...Mile High City...Steel City...etc.
They discussed this on the air for a few days and determined that a city's nickname should reflect the prominant aspect of the city. I don't know where that applies with the Big Apple, but with most cities it is obvious. So, what are our major stand out attributes?
Well, not to put too fine a point on it, our city seems to a magnet for "Headquarters". And whenever a headquarters establishes itself somewhere, the anti-headquarters isn't far behind. We have here the national Headquarters for a number of churches and churchy organizations. Likewise, there are a number of anti-church headquarters as well. And other organizations that have social or political agendas that oppose each other. Gays and anti-gays, military and anti-military, man-boy love, man-woman love, self love, dog love, and anti all the above. With all that opposition laying around town, the DJs thought the perfect nickname for our little burg would be "the Swirling Epicenter of Hate". It didn't catch on, although you may periodically hear an off hand reference to the Swirling Epicenter from die hard Mark Brothers' fans...but for the most part the nickname is gone...and so are the brothers.
I told you all that so I could tell you this. I am use to it. In my wandering days I learned that most communities are pretty much the same. Being the new kid in school for most of my school experience, I am accustomed to most of the benefits and disadvantages of the position of "FNG". So the welcome I received from the JU community was pretty much what I am used to. I was surprised that so many people responded and I appreciate the guidance and advice offered. Thanx.
Sad note: the main reason I joined the community was to interact with my active Wanderer of the hyperborean variety. He has decided to withdraw from the public view for awhile due to some difficulties brought about because ...well...he will tell you what he wants you to know about it in a day or too. Anyway...he will be watching if not actively participating so watch your step!